KATHMANDU, March 30: Nepal National Muay Thai Association (NNMTA) on Thursday felicitated Sanjay Rai, the gold medal winner of the 14th World Muay Thai Championship. 

National Sports Council's (NSC) Member Secretary Keshav Kumar Bista and NNMTA President Ganesh Lal Kakshapati felicitated Sanjay with Rs 20,000 and a letter of appreciation amid a program. 

Sanjay was crowned champion in the men's 48 kg weight category, defeating Arcaiz Gonzalez in the final of event held in Bangkok earlier this month. Sanjay had overcome the Spanish opponent after playing full three sets. 

Meanwhile, other medalists of the same event -- Anisha Khadka, Karuna Upreti and Dipak Tamang -- were also feted. 

Anisha had won silver in women's 67 kg category, while Karuna and Dipak had snatched bronze medals in women's 54 kg and men's 57 kg weight categories, respectively. The silver and bronze medalists were given letters of appreciation. Coach Neelam Adhikari was also feted on the occasion.

It's Nepal's first gold win in the World Muay Thai Championship. Nepali athletes started to take part in the event from 2010. Altogether, six players from Nepal had participated in this year's event, which featured players from 40 nations. 

Meanwhile, NNMTA's President Kaskhapati said six clubs in Kathmandu are currently training Muay Thai players.

 
• nepal national muay thai association
 
• sanjay rai
 
• 14th world muay thai championship